Park Tools

People of the Federal Court Era (1872-1896)

For twenty-one years, Judge Isaac C. Parker presided over the Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas. Parker may be the most recognized name associated with the Fort Smith court, but there were many others who worked for the federal court, including the deputy marshals, jailers, court clerks, and bailiffs. On the other side of the law were the men and women who were arrested in Indian Territory and charged with crimes ranging from theft to murder.